Druk Yul, Kingdom in the Cloud (Cultural Sightseeing Tour)
This is a popular trip to Bhutan that covers all major cultural and historical sites and scenic spots such as Paro valley, Thimphu (capital of Bhutan), Punakha - Gangtey valley and Bumthang. The trip is fully guided on full board accommodation basis as per Terms and Conditions set by Tourism Authority of Bhutan.
Itinerary
DAY 01: FLY KATHMANDU– PARO
Arrive Paro by Druk air A 319, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representatives in Bhutan. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight.
DAY 02: PARO – THIMPHU
Paro Sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed to visit the famous Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s den). This temple clings precariously to a granitite cliff 800m above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the great Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on back of a tigress and meditated in a cave during the 8th century. The temple was built around the cave and is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. If time available, we will also visit the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Evening drive 2 hours to Thimphu (65km). Overnight.
DAY 03: THIMPHU – WANGDUEPHODRANG
Morning - Thimphu sightseeing - visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery and the new Drupthob nunnery temple. Afternoon - drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Dzong from outside and the market area.
DAY 04: WANGDUEPHODRANG – BUMTHANG
Today will be a long drive almost 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18 century Chendebji chorten. After one and half hour arrive at a small town known as Trongsa meaning new village. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was controlled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight.
DAY 05: BUMTHANG
Bumthang altitude 2600 m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing - Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight same.
DAY 06: BUMTHANG– WANGDUEPHODRANG
Drive back to Wangduephodrang.
DAY 07: WANGDUEPHODRANG– PUNAKHA – THIMPHU – PARO
Morning - drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Drive 3 hours to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 hours to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. O/N
DAY 08: FLY PARO – KATHMANDU
After an early breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Kathmandu, Check in to your hotel and day at free.
*** This trip itinerary can be changed or modified as per your time, requirement and interest.
Cost of This Trip:
| Cost for Group size: minimum 3 to 10 people * Valid till August 2016 | Total Cost Per Person |
| Trip Cost: USD 190 per night x 7 nights (twin room sharing plan) | USD 1330 -- |
| + Airfare: KTM-PARO-KTM: USD 410 * approximately | USD 410 -- |
| + Bhutan Visa and Entrance fees: USD 50 | USD 50 -- |
| ALL TOTAL | USD 1790 |
| ** Extra – Single Room Supplement: USD 30 per night x 7 nights= USD 210 -- per person, for single room occupancy ** |
** The Costs are including single room supplement, but there will be no single room supplement charge if trip plan on twin room sharing **
For more information and booking this trip, please contact us in advance. Thank you for your time.
DAY 01: FLY KATHMANDU– PARO
Arrive Paro by Druk air A 319, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representatives in Bhutan. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight.
DAY 02: PARO – THIMPHU
Paro Sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed to visit the famous Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s den). This temple clings precariously to a granitite cliff 800m above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the great Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on back of a tigress and meditated in a cave during the 8th century. The temple was built around the cave and is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. If time available, we will also visit the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Evening drive 2 hours to Thimphu (65km). Overnight.
DAY 03: THIMPHU – WANGDUEPHODRANG
Morning - Thimphu sightseeing - visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery and the new Drupthob nunnery temple. Afternoon - drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Dzong from outside and the market area.
DAY 04: WANGDUEPHODRANG – BUMTHANG
Today will be a long drive almost 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18 century Chendebji chorten. After one and half hour arrive at a small town known as Trongsa meaning new village. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was controlled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight.
DAY 05: BUMTHANG
Bumthang altitude 2600 m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing - Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight same.
DAY 06: BUMTHANG– WANGDUEPHODRANG
Drive back to Wangduephodrang.
DAY 07: WANGDUEPHODRANG– PUNAKHA – THIMPHU – PARO
Morning - drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Drive 3 hours to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 hours to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. O/N
DAY 08: FLY PARO – KATHMANDU
After an early breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Kathmandu, Check in to your hotel and day at free.
*** This trip itinerary can be changed or modified as per your time, requirement and interest.
Cost of This Trip:
| Cost for Group size: minimum 3 to 10 people * Valid till August 2016 | Total Cost Per Person |
| Trip Cost: USD 190 per night x 7 nights (twin room sharing plan) | USD 1330 -- |
| + Airfare: KTM-PARO-KTM: USD 410 * approximately | USD 410 -- |
| + Bhutan Visa and Entrance fees: USD 50 | USD 50 -- |
| ALL TOTAL | USD 1790 |
| ** Extra – Single Room Supplement: USD 30 per night x 7 nights = USD 210 -- per person, for single room occupancy ** |
** The Costs are including single room supplement, but there will be no single room supplement charge if trip plan on twin room sharing **
For more information and booking this trip, please contact us in advance. Thank you for your time.